Maserati EV Development Shift: Stellantis Explores China Partnership with Huawei and JAC

Maserati, the storied Italian automaker known for its luxury vehicles, may soon have a stronger connection to China than Italy, according to a new report. Stellantis and Maserati are in discussions with Huawei and JAC to develop new-energy vehicles (EVs) for the Maserati brand.

The partnership could mirror Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, which includes five automotive brands collaborating on vehicle development using Huawei’s technology. Under this proposed arrangement:

• Huawei would develop core vehicle technologies and lead planning.
• JAC would handle research, development, and manufacturing.
• Maserati would focus on vehicle design and brand endorsement.

This potential collaboration would mark a significant shift for Maserati, a brand founded in 1914 by three brothers. The news might have left them stunned, given the company’s deep Italian heritage.

Stellantis’ Growing Ties with Chinese Partners

This isn’t Stellantis’ first venture with a Chinese partner. In 2023, the group acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor. The partnership was recently expanded, with plans for Leapmotor to build a model for the European market by 2028. Additionally, a jointly developed Opel-badged electric SUV will be produced at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain starting in 2028.

If the Maserati talks progress, the arrangement would follow a similar model but with a more premium brand at the helm.

Two Models in Early Development

Two models are reportedly in the early stages of planning:

• The first would be sold in China under the Maextro brand.
• The second would be a rebadged or redesigned version for international markets, bearing the Maserati badge.

Discussions have been ongoing since early 2025, with preliminary research and development already underway.

Maserati’s Urgent Need for a Lifeline

The potential partnership comes at a critical time for Maserati. In 2024, the brand sold just 11,127 vehicles, a 58% drop from 2023. Sales have plummeted even further since their peak in 2017, when Maserati sold roughly 49,000 units globally. That same year, Maserati sold 14,498 vehicles in China. By comparison, the brand sold just over 1,000 units in China in 2024.

The report does not specify the body styles of the new models, leaving open the possibility of SUVs, sedans, or sports cars. However, it suggests that the most Italian aspect of these vehicles might be the spelling on the bootlid.

We have reached out to Maserati for comment and will update this story if we receive a response.